Let’s face it, everyone has bad days when nothing seems to go right, or when waking up on the wrong side of the bed pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the day. And when looking for a job in a competitive market, these “days” can become more common than usual.
Between making phone calls, browsing the Internet, beating the traffic to get to your interview, and of course, rejections, it’s not surprising why many job seekers suffer from job search burnout. And before you know it, the negativity of a bad or hard day makes its way into your voice and appearance — often without you even knowing it.
So why are we about to talk about the importance of practicing smiling before you walk into a job interview?
It Gives You A Quick Break From Negativity
A smile seems like such a simple, if not amusing thing, but taking a few seconds to look at yourself in the mirror and smile every day can provide enough catharsis to keep going. Think of it as a mental and emotional booster or a sip of emotional caffeine to keep your spirits up.
It Makes You Sound Better Over The Phone
Try to record a sound clip of yourself talking while smiling and not smiling. As crazy as it sounds, you can actually hear a difference in the way you sound — it’s almost as if you sound happier. And when talking to recruiters and hiring managers during a phone interview, how you sound can leave a lasting impression. In fact, try to sit in front of a mirror on your next phone interview so you can monitor your smile.
But smiling is more than just about sounding happy. Studies suggest that your facial expressions can actually change your mood — so smiling even if you don’t feel like it might just lift your spirits.
Happy Candidates Are Memorable Candidates
Imagine yourself as a hiring manager about to interview two people. One is smiling and friendly, the other with a glum, if not surly, expression on his face. Which candidate would you be more likely to hire? Of course, appearances will often come second to qualifications and skills, but your disposition definitely makes you more memorable in the mind of any interviewer.
Obviously, you don’t want to be known as the guy with the creepy grin on his face. But in the end, a quality smile can set you apart from other candidates, especially when paired with a stellar resume or good interview answers.
Although practicing a smile seems like such a small thing, try not to underestimate its value anyway. For more job search and interview tips, be sure to follow this blog. If you need help looking for job opportunities, talk to the staffing specialists of Top Notch Personnel. Contact our offices to learn more about how our staffing solutions can help you.
